Germany Sets Renewable Energy Record with 62.7% of Electricity in 2024

Wind and solar power lead the charge as coal and nuclear decline, but challenges with imports and infrastructure remain.

Renewable energy sources accounted for 62.7% of Germany's electricity production in 2024, up from 58.6% in 2023, according to Fraunhofer ISE.
Wind power was the largest contributor, providing 33% of the electricity mix, while solar energy saw an 18% production increase, reaching 14% of the total.
Coal usage dropped significantly, with lignite and hard coal generation decreasing by 8.4% and 27.6%, respectively, due to rising CO2 certificate costs and competition from renewables.
Germany became a net electricity importer for the second consecutive year, with imports rising to 24.9 terawatt-hours, driven by market economics rather than capacity shortages.
Despite progress, challenges persist, including slower-than-planned wind energy expansion and the need for better grid infrastructure and battery storage systems.